The Templars, The Rise and Spectacular Fall of God's Holy Warriors

A surprising and epic history of the Knights Templar, by an acknowledged master of historical narrative. Jones begins with the knights' violent origins after the First Crusade: above royal decree, they answered only to the pope himself and became free from all taxation. He sets the record straight about the Knights Templar's money channels, private wars, sexual misconduct and the establishment of the world's first global bank. A dramatic tale, surprisingly relevant to modern times.